Allergen note
Carrot allergy is uncommon, but it does occur, especially in children with birch pollen allergy, who may get itching or swelling around the mouth. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction.
How to serve
At 6–8 months, offer well-cooked carrot sticks about the size of an adult finger, or mash them smooth. From 9–12 months, cut soft-cooked carrot into small bite-size pieces; from 12 months, finely grated raw carrot can go into salads or muffins.
Preparation
Peel regular carrots (packaged baby carrots usually come peeled and just need rinsing), then steam, boil or roast until a fork slides in easily and a piece squashes between your fingers. Serve plain or with a little unsalted butter or oil, and for purée blend with some cooking water, breast milk or formula.
Texture and choking risk
Raw carrot is one of the more common choking hazards for young children because it is hard and snaps into firm chunks, and whole raw baby carrots are just the size that can block a small airway. Serve carrots cooked soft or finely grated, never as raw sticks, rounds or whole baby carrots for children under 4, and always supervise.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Recipes with carrot
Steamed Carrot, Green Bean & Courgette Spears
Tahini-Drizzled Roasted Carrot & Sweet Potato Batons
ABC Soft Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot)
Courgette & Carrot Egg Waffles
Turkey Thigh and Red Lentil Hotpot
Red Lentil & Egg Chilla Strips
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries carrot, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
More Vegetables
🥬 Butternut squash
Butternut squash is not a common allergen, and despite its name it is not a nut, so it also suits babies with…
🥬 Cabbage
Cabbage rarely causes allergic reactions. It is listed here from 12 months, so start then with a spoonful or…
🥬 Canned tomatoes
Tomato allergy is uncommon, but acidic tomato sauce can redden the skin around the mouth or irritate the…
🥬 Cauliflower
Cauliflower allergy is rare. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for hives, vomiting or a rash; like…
🥬 Celeriac
Celeriac is a form of celery, which is on the EU list of major allergens and can occasionally cause serious…
🥬 Celery
Celery is on the EU list of major allergens and can cause reactions ranging from an itchy mouth to, rarely…